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Location notes

This is almost the summit of the Grain Branch as the line crosses the backbone of the Hoo Peninsula.The single track branch line from Hoo Junction to Grain and Thamesport is on the Hoo Peninsula in North Kent. Hoo Junction is on the line between Gravesend and Strood. The Hoo Peninsula is an area of great contrast: isolated marshland and mudflats, farms and orchards, power stations and a container port. For bird spotters there are several RSPB nature reserves. There are also connections with Charles Dickens, for example the church at Cooling was the inspiration for the opening scenes in Great Expectations.

Railway type and traffic

This is a freight only branch with services running Monday to Friday only, with very occasional weekend passenger excursions or Serco test trains. There is roughly one train per hour throughout the length of the line. Current workings include DB Schenker and GB Railfreight ballast from Foster Yeoman's terminal at Grain where an 08 shunter is normally resident; DB Schenker spoil workings to Grain; Freightliner workings to and from Thamesport and a intermodal service to Thamesport.

Link to Real Time Trains

RTT Link Grain Branch, CoolingThis link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.

Environment

This spot can only be reached by a public footpaths across arable fields.

Road directions

From the A289 heading towards the Medway tunnel take the B2000 almost into Cliffe and then take a right turn towards Cooling (Cooling Road) and follow this very twisty road for about 2 km. Park by the public toilets and walk to the east picking up the footpath that heads south between the lay-by and the pub.

The line runs from west to east so trains can be photographed at most times of the day usually from the south side of the line, however the best view is looking towards the west. Please note than when the trees are in leaf they will pretty much block any sun on the line.

The line is a challenge for photographers being largely flat (bring stepladders!), much line side vegetation and a proliferation of electricity pylons at some locations. Also for the majority of trains one is shooting into the light with biggest challenge being the evening Fastline Class 56 service to Thamesport which is only possible to photograph on the branch in midsummer.

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